Galvan reports a 32% to 35% dip in sales across the three existing Haystack Burgers in the past few months. But none of the 80 Haystack employees were terminated during the COVID-19 pandemic, he says.

“To me, my staff is family. They have kids to provide for,” Galvan says. He’s the father of three kids and co-owns the restaurants with his wife Jenny Galvan. “It’s been one of my bigger stresses: How am I going to feed my 80 employees? I’m responsible for them.”

Kevin and Jenny Galvan co-own four Haystack Burgers in Dallas-Fort Worth. One more is expected to open before 2020 ends.(Hunter Lacey / Special Contributor)

The Lakewood restaurant is unique from the existing Haystacks in that it has a bigger patio that seats 70 people. That was lucky, as patios are not limited by the 50%-capacity health protocol.

His employees are required to bring their own masks and to wash them between shifts. Staffers wear gloves and change them often, he says. “We’re sanitizing nightly, disinfecting, trying to be as cautious as we can,” he says. “If we see somebody touch something, we politely come behind them and wipe it down.”

After months of delays, he says “I’m just ready to open."

“Originally, it was going to be a 15-day, stay-at-home, flatten-the-curve [plan]. Now it’s just like, let’s go.”

He’s also moving forward on a fifth Haystack burgers at Hillcrest and Arapaho roads in Far North Dallas. The lease was signed before COVID-19 arrived in North Texas. That restaurant is expected to open in October or November, he says.

“This is not a great time, but I don’t think there’s ever a great time to open a restaurant," he says. "The restaurant business is risky.”

As for the health concerns during COVID-19, Kevin Galvan says, “I’m a big believer in social responsibility. If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t go out. If you do feel comfortable, be responsible.”

Haystack Burgers & Barley, located in the Hillside Village shopping center, is at 6465 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas. Haystack opened May 18, 2020.

For more food news, follow Sarah Blaskovich on Twitter at @sblaskovich.

Sarah Blaskovich, food writer. Sarah writes about restaurants, bars and culture in Dallas. She also appears on NBC5 twice a week. Follow @sblaskovich and ask her what to do, where to eat or where to drink in your 'hood.